Whether it is a small or large business you run, you have to ensure that your computer network is in top working condition at all times. Though you may be qualified to maintain your system on your own, it’s better to hire a computer consulting firm to do it for you so that you can spend more time concentrating on your business.

With so many computer consulting firms to choose from, here are some tips to consider while choosing the firm to maintain your computer.

1) The firm should effectively offer you network monitoring services where the installation of a small application on your server lets your computer consultant monitor the important components of your network like backup status, drive space, antivirus updates and activity and website and communication status.

2) Moreover, most of the monitoring utilities used today are web-based so that you can monitor your network with your computer consultant. This helps you remain apprised of issues and keep tabs on your consultant.

3) The computer consulting firm should be able to log into the systems of both your server and your user’s desktops so that they can address problems as they arise. This way, they can provide support faster than a Network Administrator can. Also it will help save money money as it does not require the IT support to drive to the location to fix the issues.

4) Choose a computer consulting firm that will provide you with punctual and accurate reports on whatever they do, including how long it took them to do it. The importance and benefit of this information is that you will be able to identify potential future problems in the network area, and also give you an idea of the budget for future needs.

5) It’s better to choose a computer consulting firm that will be able to come on site when you need them the most. Remember that not all problems can be addressed remotely; sometimes the consultant will have to come to your home or office to rectify the problem.

6) Don’t choose your computer consultant based on the fees they charge. It is not necessary that the cheapest consultant is the best for your firm. Consultants charging below market rates usually lack talent or experience while those who take twice as long to complete a job than a qualified consultant does, you end up paying the same amount to the consultant but with lower quality of service.

7) Your consultant will charge flat, monthly charges and or hourly rates. Depending on the amount of work you need you can figure out which will work best for your companies situation. Usually companies start on an hourly rate until they have enough work for it to make sense to switch to monthly rates.

Last but not least, you will have to choose a dedicated computer consultant for maximum and long term performance from your network system. Your consultants should be familiar with both the system and its users.

Author Bio: Jason has been in the IT industry since 2000 Professionally. He worked at several startups in the bay area for six years before moving to San Diego. He started Beanstalk Computing, which provides Remote Assistance, Online Backups, Cloud Computing, and other Computer Consulting in San Diego.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: beanstalk, cloud computing, it, it support, it services, san diego